Earlier this week, I spent a few hours photographing at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, VA. One of the unusual flowers I photographed there was a Sinonome Toad Lily(Tricyrtis sinonome). I had no idea what the plant was – fortunately, Green Spring Gardens is really good about putting up identification signs.

A little research on the web revealed that Toad Lilies are originally native to Asia. Most bloom in the fall, and many like the Sinomome Toad Lily I photographed are shade loving plants.

Here’s the view of the flowers that first caught my eye. I thought WOW! what shapes and colors!

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

A couple of closer in and side views of the flowers

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

Another cluster of flowers with several buds that had yet to open

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

And finally – a group of blossoms growing along the stalk with leaves. I’d love to see this with all the buds open and the flowers in bloom.

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

The Sinonome Toad Lily was a wonderful plant to photograph. I’m glad I found it at Green Spring Gardens.